[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF GENE AUTRY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I was saddened to learn of the 
death of Gene Autry, a longtime Californian, earlier this afternoon. 
Mr. Autry will always be remembered as a singer and performer of 
enormous talent and appeal. First making his way onto the radio 
airwaves in 1928 as a singer, his career quickly broadened to include 
acting. He appeared in such films as ``Tumbling Tumbleweeds'' in 1935 
and television series as ``The Gene Autry Show'' between 1951-1954. 
Perhaps his most famous song, ``Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'' will 
forever remind us of his zest for life and gentle charm each holiday 
season.
  Mr. Autry succeeded in everything he undertook--radio, television, 
records, songwriting, movies, real estate, and business. In 1961, he 
bought the expansion Los Angeles Angels, renamed in 1965 as the 
California Angels. He maintained ownership of the team until the Walt 
Disney Company took operating control in 1996.
  Over the course of his life, Mr. Autry collected Western memorabilia 
and art. In 1988, using much of his own funding, he opened the Gene 
Autry Western Heritage Museum in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. I cherish 
every opportunity I have to visit the Heritage Museum and view 
treasures from the Old West.
  My most sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Autry and his entire 
family. Gene Autry will be missed by all, especially Californians who 
benefited tremendously from his works. I know that right now, the 
Singing Cowboy is ``Back in the Saddle Again,'' smiling down on 
us.

                          ____________________